– – –Federal-provincial funding for these projects made possible thanks to cost savings on the Red River Floodway Expansion Project

West St. Paul, Manitoba—Many Manitoba residents can now look forward to additional safety measures being implemented for their families and properties thanks to today’s announcement of funding for permanent flood protection infrastructure for seven communities across the province.

These communities will benefit from the construction of permanent dikes by upgrading and replacing the temporary diking put in place following the floods of 2011. Communities benefiting from the project include the towns of Souris and Melita (Rural Municipality of Arthur), Duck Bay, Waterhen and the rural municipalities of St. Clements, East St. Paul and West St. Paul.

This funding was previously noted after an agreement was made between the federal and provincial governments to redirect cost savings from the Red River Floodway expansion project towards new flood mitigation projects elsewhere in the province.

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada will provide up to $6.75 million through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component.

The Province of Manitoba will also contribute up to $6.75 million to the project.

The seven municipalities will contribute a combined $1.35 million of the total eligible project cost of $14.85 million.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to support seven communities in Manitoba in meeting vital infrastructure needs, like here in West St. Paul. We will continue to deliver on our commitment to provide safe, modern infrastructure for all Canadians as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities in Manitoba and across Canada.”

Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan–St. Paul

“This work builds on the valiant efforts that were made in response to the disastrous flooding of 2011 in these seven communities, by making the existing temporary diking permanent. This flood mitigation project will enhance the safety and quality of life of local residents, especially during flooding season in Manitoba.”

James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk–Interlake

“A tremendous unified effort was required across Manitoba to fight the flood of 2011 and these communities responded to that challenge with temporary dikes to protect people and property. We are pleased to join in the funding of the conversion to permanent dikes and enhanced flood fighting capacity.”

Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation

“Cost sharing with our federal and municipal partners gives us more opportunities to help ensure communities are better prepared and protected. We often focus on the large flood management systems in Manitoba, but the upgrading of these dikes is an important step for these communities and represents an investment safety.”

Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

“Once again I am very pleased to report back to the community of West St. Paul that our strong collaborative relationship with our federal and provincial partners is again bringing important infrastructure funds back in to our community, that will be spent very wisely on permanent flood protection. Over the years the community has had to deal with sandbagging and annual flood threats that caused negative impacts on the lives of West St. Paul citizens. The citizens of West St. Paul can now carry on with knowing that the different levels of government have ensured their safety during flood events.”